The 2025-26 NBA season is fast approaching, and fanbases across the league are hopeful for what this year could bring. The Atlantic Division in particular has an intriguing mix of contenders, rebuilding teams, and franchises caught in the middle. Here is how the division stacks up heading into the season.
New York Knicks
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Jalen Brunson
SG: Mikal Bridges
SF: OG Anunoby
PF: Josh Hart
C: Karl-Anthony Towns
Key Bench Contributors: Jordan Clarkson, Miles McBride, Mitchell Robinson, Malcolm Brogdon, Guerschon Yabusele
New York should be the class of the division and one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. For the first time in years, depth will be a real strength. Additions like Guerschon Yabusele, Jordan Clarkson, and Malcolm Brogdon join a second unit that already featured solid contributors in Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson. That should ease the burden on Tom Thibodeau’s starting five and make New York more versatile than ever.
Prediction: 60-22
Divisional Projection: 1st
Ceiling: NBA Champions
Philadelphia 76ers
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Tyrese Maxey
SG: Quentin Grimes
SF: VJ Edgecombe
PF: Paul George
C: Joel Embiid
Key Bench Contributors: Jared McCain, Kelly Oubre, Justin Edwards, Andre Drummond
Philadelphia is one of the toughest teams to project. Joel Embiid’s health is always a concern, Paul George showed clear signs of regression last season, and rookie VJ Edgecombe is untested at this level. At full strength, the Sixers can push the Knicks for the top of the division, but health remains the critical variable.
Prediction: 49-33
Divisional Projection: 2nd
Ceiling: Conference Finals
Toronto Raptors
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Immanuel Quickley
SG: R.J. Barrett
SF: Brandon Ingram
PF: Scottie Barnes
C: Jakob Poeltl
Key Bench Contributors: Gradey Dick, Collin Murray-Boyles, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walter
On paper, Toronto is solid. Quickley, Barrett, Barnes, and Ingram give the Raptors plenty of offensive talent, while Jakob Poeltl anchors the paint defensively. The bench has upside as well, with Gradey Dick, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Ja’Kobe Walter expected to take on bigger roles. A playoff berth should be the expectation.
Prediction: 44-38
Divisional Projection: 3rd
Ceiling: Second Round Exit
Boston Celtics
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Derrick White
SG: Anfernee Simons
SF: Jaylen Brown
PF: Sam Hauser
C: Neemias Queta
Key Bench Contributors: Payton Pritchard, Chris Boucher, Baylor Scheiermann
Without Jayson Tatum, Boston enters a transition year. Jaylen Brown will need to shoulder the load and is poised for a career season, with Derrick White and Anfernee Simons providing support. The frontcourt is shaky, as Hauser and Queta are better suited as reserves, and the bench depth after Payton Pritchard leaves questions.
This roster will keep Boston competitive, but a deep playoff run feels unlikely without Tatum.
Prediction: 42-40
Divisional Projection: 4th
Ceiling: First Round Exit
Brooklyn Nets
Projected Starting Lineup
PG: Egor Demin
SG: Cam Thomas
SF: Terance Mann
PF: Michael Porter Jr.
C: Nic Claxton
Key Bench Contributors: Nolan Traore, Ziaire Williams, Day’Ron Sharpe
Brooklyn is set for another difficult year. The roster is extremely young, and while Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas should provide entertaining scoring bursts, there will be growing pains. Egor Demin is a promising rookie, and Nic Claxton is a solid center who could attract interest on the trade market. The Nets are likely to spend another season near the bottom of the standings with an eye on the draft.
Prediction: 20-62
Divisional Projection: 5th
Ceiling: Play-In Tournament
Final Thoughts
The hierarchy of the Atlantic Division looks clear. The Knicks are in control and should dominate from the start. Philadelphia, Boston, and Toronto will battle for playoff positioning and could all be dangerous depending on health and development. Brooklyn, while intriguing to watch, will almost certainly remain in rebuilding mode and focused on the future.
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